Kidnapped Nationals Catcher Wilson Ramos Found Safe

WASHINGTON (WJZ)– Washington Nationals baseball player kidnapped in Venezuela has been found safe. Wilson Ramos was held for more than two days.

Meghan McCorkell has the breaking details.

The prayers of thousands– from the United States to Venezuela– have been answered. Washington Nationals Catcher Wilson Ramos is found alive. The 24-year-old was kidnapped on Wednesday by armed gunmen as his family watched in horror.

The kidnapping happened outside his mother’s home in Valencia, Venezuela.

On Thursday, investigators found an SUV. The same vehicle, they believe, was used in the kidnapping.

Ramos is a rising star on the Nationals team. He was their top catcher last year during his rookie season.

Friday night, dozens gathered outside Washington Nationals Park to show their support for Ramos and his family.

“I want the people in Venezuela to know we’re all in this together,” John Condray, a Nationals Fan, said. “I’ve had the privilege of meeting him and getting his autograph. So I can say on a personal level that he is a very nice guy with a great dedication to his fans.”

So many hoping that Ramos would come home safe. Now, it appears those hopes are a reality.

Venezuelan officials say Ramos is safe and sound. He’s on his way back to his family Friday night.

Ramos is the first Major League Baseball player to be kidnapped. However, relatives of players have been targeted in the past.